Chris Born is a former NHS CEO, with 11 years’ experience working as a senior consultant healthcare specialist within Healthcare UK, based at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). With experience as an executive coach and mentor, Chris has a passion for improving health and care worldwide.
Name: Chris Born
Occupation: Senior Healthcare Specialist, Coach and Independent Director
Chris has worked with hundreds of NHS and commercial health and care organisations in the UK to take their export offer to operators, developers, investors, governments, and health services in the target markets of India, China, SE Asia, the Middle East and other countries.
Why did you choose to become a mentor on the NHS CEP, are you enjoying the experience and how have you supported your mentee/s so far?
‘’I became a mentor on the programme because I am interested in how the NHS innovates and I see the NHS CEP as a key part of its innovation ecosystem.
I am inspired by Professor Tony Young’s mission to get clinicians innovating and developing businesses to benefit the NHS as well as themselves.
I have many years’ experience of mentoring and coaching and feel this is a good way to give something back to the NHS, help younger colleagues to develop their skills and enthusiasm and keep in touch with how the NHS is developing.
I have supported my mentees so far, by helping them in gaining clarity around their issues and how they might tackle them, helping to define and then review progress on key objectives, putting them in touch with people who may be able to help them, encouraging and giving positive feedback, and providing them with an independent listening ear.’’
What do you think makes a good mentor and can you see the impact that mentoring is having on your mentee?
‘’An effective mentor is a good listener, who can summarise the issues that are presented and help develop options for responding to these. Additionally, they can reassure or challenge mentees on the actions they are taking and provide clear feedback on their successes,’’
‘’I can see the impact on my mentees as they gain clarity on their issues and pursue the actions they have identified to take the organisation forward as well as setting clear objectives.
I can also see mentees are reassured by having an independent and experienced person listen to and engage with their work.’’
What is the best piece of advice you have been given in your professional career?
‘‘Get a good team around you!’’
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a mentor with the NHS CEP?
‘’Have you got the skills and patience to be a good mentor?
Are you a good listener and summariser?
Can you get the right balance of support and challenge?
Have you got value added knowledge, experience, and contacts for mentees?
If so, give it a try as you will be inspired by your mentees!’’
Chris Born is one of over 300 professionals that volunteer there support to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and support our next generation of innovators. If you are interested in supporting the programme visit our mentor pages
TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH INNOVATION
